Migrate Windows Small Business Server 2003 to Windows Small Business Server 2008

Updated: November 19, 2009

Applies To: Windows SBS 2008

Note

This is Version 5 of this article. For the latest online version, see the Microsoft Web site (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=91366). To download the most recent printable version, see the Microsoft Web site (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=117499).

This guide tells you how to migrate an existing Windows SBS 2003 domain to Windows SBS 2008 and then to migrate the settings and data. This guide also tells you how to remove your existing server from the Windows SBS 2008 network after you finish the migration.

Important

To avoid problems while migrating your existing server to Windows SBS 2008, it is recommended that you read this document before you begin the migration.

Terms and definitions

Destination server: The new server where you are installing Windows SBS 2008 and migrating your settings and data to.

Source Server: The existing server that you are migrating your settings and data from.

Process steps

This Migration Guide includes the following steps:

Prepare your Source Server for Windows SBS 2008 migration You must ensure that your Source Server and network are ready for migration. This section guides you through backing up the Source Server, evaluating the Source Server system health, installing the most recent service packs and fixes, verifying the network configuration, and raising the functional level of the Microsoft® Active Directory® Domain Services (AD DS) domain and forest. You must also run the Migration Preparation Tool on the Source Server, which updates the AD DS schema, installs an update that extends the time limit for the migration, and configures Exchange Server to support migration.

Create a migration answer file for Windows SBS 2008 migration An answer file is used by Windows SBS 2008 Setup to automate the installation and to run Setup in migration mode. This section introduces you to the migration answer file and guides you through using the Answer File Tool to create the migration answer file.